I had developed coronavirus-like symptoms during the South Africa series in January: Jack Leach

No English fan can forget the historic Ben Stokes knock at Headingley to steer England to the win in the third Test of Ashes 2019. Stokes smashed 135 runs to save his side from the jaws of defeat as England clinched the triumph by one wicket. The other short yet crucial role, at the non-striker’s end, was played by Jack Leach, who remained unbeaten on one after facing 17 balls in a partnership of 76 runs.

Leach, the left-arm spinner was a part of the South Africa series in January before he had to return home after struggling to recover from sepsis. He had also contracted flu before the Centurion Test.

Leach, who has been itching to return back to the sport, has been included in England’s 30-member squad for the three Tests against West Indies. Recalling his illness in South Africa, he said that he had developed symptoms similar to those of coronavirus.

The coronavirus outbreak has wreaked havoc across the globe in the past few months and more than 10 million people have been affected so far. The pandemic has also halted international cricket since its initiation.

“I guess we’ll never know. If you had those symptoms I had in South Africa now, you’d say this is definitely coronavirus. But I feel healthy and fit, and I want to stay that way as much as possible,” Leach, who has suffered from Crohn’s disease (inflammatory bowel disease) since the age of 14, said, as quoted by India Today.

“There’s nothing I can do about what happened in the winter … but I’m quite lucky my Crohn’s is under control. There are people who suffer a lot worse than me. I don’t feel sorry for myself, I want to play as much cricket as possible and stay fit and healthy,” he added.

I feel safe here in a bio-secure environment: Jack Leach

England’s Test series against West Indies will be the first international action for the fans to witness in the post-coronavirus world. Considering his affair with illness, Leach is not known for his strong immunity. Leach, who is one of the fives spinners to be included in England’s squad for the series, said that he is feeling much safer in the bio-secure environment.

“The medication that I’m on puts me a little bit of a higher risk, but actually what I came through in the winter suggests that I can fight things off quite well. The fact that I am fit, and reasonably healthy apart from that, gives me a good chance as well,” said 29-year-old Leach, who has donned the England jersey in 10 Tests so far.

“I’ve been doing everything I need to do to stick by the rules, as has everyone else around me, but I’m not too nervous. I feel safe here in a bio-secure environment,” he added.